Tensions rose as dozens of Citrus College staff in black shirts attended the Board of Trustees meeting Sept; 15th as unions met together to bring issues forward to the board of trustees following failed negotiations over pay raises and benefits.
California School Employee Association Chapter 101, Citrus College Adjunct Faculty Federation and Citrus College Faculty Association showed in force to the meeting, having to take turns with seating as a large portion of the group stood outside the open doors handing out buttons in support for each other’s union.
The meeting became increasingly heated as members spoke in a coordinated effort on the financial mismanagement and the lack of proper care college administration is providing employees.
This included highlighting the fact that Citrus administration spent 100 million dollars on a rebranding project for the college which resulted in keeping the original logo while opening the use of the on campus food bank to the classified staff instead of offering proper benefits or pay raises.
During public comment, CCFA president Gerhart Peters stated that “The cost of living in our area has risen substantially in our area, having risen by 12% since March 2023, and the very small stipend for healthcare in retirement has not been adjusted in decades.”
The financial mismanagement has led to the college entering a hold harmless state, where they receive minimal yearly state funding, for the first time since its founding in 1914, leading to a slash in benefits for paid pregnancy leave and other benefits and a reduction in enrollment.
“As a 35 year member of the Citrus community, I see our politics as a microcosm of our national politics, and I think we would agree that our national politics has some warped priorities,” said chief negotiator of CCFA Dave Brown.
“Nothing happens without our classified workers, take a look at their salary schedule — I dare you!” Brown said said during public comment.
Members of the board were seen taking notes and becoming increasingly uncomfortable in their seats as staff called them out for enriching themselves. All questions asked were sent to the superintendent/president’s office for clarification rather than answer them during the meeting, with Greg Schulz growing more red in the face as the meeting went on.
“We’re pissed,” said CCFA union member Rob Everest. “We’re pissed, there has been no raises for three years, and they (Citrus administration) are getting off schedule bonuses”.
The meeting was adjourned and transitioned into a closed session following both periods of public comment, with union members seen talking with each other over the events of the meeting in the foyer of the Administration building.
